Best of the Test: Top-Performing Stick Vacuums

We tested the latest of these helpful, compact appliances. These are the five that really cleaned up.

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How We Tested

Lighter than full-size vacuums, easier to push and less bulky for better storage, these compact vacuum cleaners make quick work of minor debris and big spills.

To find the best, our lab pros wheeled 11 models over carpet and bare floors, sucking up baking soda, oatmeal, dried orzo and more. They measured noise levels, ease of washing and replacing parts and, on battery-operated models, run and recharge times. And they took note of the number of tools and special features. Finally, our consumer testers scored the vacs' maneuverability.

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